Swale Borough Council Carries Out 500 Business Compliance Spot Checks

Anyone worried about businesses not following the Government’s coronavirus regulations can report their concerns to the council.

With new restrictions in force, the council is increasing the number of spot checks on local businesses to make sure they are complying with the regulations in place.

The council has the power to issue fines to firms of up to £10,000 if they are found to be breaching the regulations, and the police can issue fixed penalty notices of up to £6,400 to individuals.

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of the council, said:

“We are doing our bit to ensure local businesses are complying with the new restrictions.

“Our compliance team carried out more than 500 checks last weekend, on top of the 116 businesses visited before lockdown began.

“As expected, lots of businesses were closed, with mostly food establishments offering a takeaway service remaining open.

“Most of the businesses we visited were complying with the guidelines and we haven’t had to issue any fines yet.

“We want to remind anybody visiting a takeaway establishment to adhere to social distancing while waiting outside for their order, and to wear a face covering when inside ordering or collecting their food.

“We also visited essential retail businesses to make sure they were compliant.

“We carried out checks all over the borough, especially in retail areas and in places where we have received any complaints. 

“We encourage anybody who has any concerns about businesses operating outside of government guidelines to report their concerns to us so that we can carry out the required checks.

“It’s important for us all to follow the government guidance to reduce the risk of infections, because if we can’t level off the rise in infections in Swale, we will be facing a long period of restrictions.

“Any businesses that are unsure of how to implement the guidance and need advice can reach out to us for help and support.

Businesses wanting advice can contact the council on: ehadmin@swale.gov.uk

To report concerns about a local business in Swale not complying with the coronavirus restrictions, you can use the form at: www.swale.gov.uk/stay-safe-concerns

To report an issue of people not complying with the instructions, such as large gatherings of people from different households, you can use the form at: www.kent.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures

The latest advice and guidance for businesses is available at: www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Swale Borough Council

Knock & Check

What is Knock & Check?

This winter, KCC is backing Kent Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Campaign “Knock & Check” and asking residents in Kent to reignite the community spirit seen during the initial months of the Coronavirus pandemic and do something small to help those most vulnerable during the cold winter months.

Each year there are around 1600 avoidable winter deaths across the county. Kent Community Foundation would like your help to reduce this number and are asking the people of Kent to check on their elderly neighbours during the colder months when they are most at risk.

Knock & Check is simple - just take a look at the small actions which will make a difference in your community as well as the details of services which can offer a lifeline and Knock & Check on the elderly and most isolated in your local community whilst remembering to follow Government guidelines on social distancing to keep communities safe from COVID-19:

• Keep a 2m distance, staying outdoors at all times.

• Wash your hands before and after a visit.

• Wear a face mask.

Small actions that could make a big difference include:

• Knock on the door to say “hello”.
• Offer to pick up some food or add something to your next online order.
• Drop off a slice of cake or take a packet of biscuits.
• Plate up an extra meal or drop off a frozen dish.
• Post a note with your contact number and / or the details of helplines and support available
• Share books and magazines or recommend a good read.
• Volunteer for one of our fantastic voluntary organisations in Kent and Medway.
• Spread the word to family and friends.

Lives can and will be saved this winter by us all working together to recognise and support those most at risk.

Download the Knock & Check booklet at >> https://bit.ly/3kip6Hz

To find out more about Knock a Check, visit >> www.kentcf.org.uk/knockandcheck

#knockandcheck

Kent County Council

Kent Adult Education - Free* Online Christmas Craft Courses

Kent Adult Education has announced free* adult only workshops to engage new learners who have not already participated in a Kent Adult Education course since August 1st 2020.

Therefore the courses are open to any adult living in Kent (except Medway). Learners can then progress onto any other Kent Adult Education course.

Learners need to go onto the Kent Adult Education website, click on Course Areas then Craft then General Craft, where there are more course details and they can easily enrol online. 

Courses are limited to 8 adults per course and free resources are provided. Enrolments will close 2 weeks before the course starts so KAE can distribute the resources to learners.

Book your place today at: www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

Kent Adult Education

Remembrance Sunday Service at St Mary the Virgin, Upchurch

Because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and current national guidelines, only a small act of remembrance took place at the church this morning as part of a permitted outdoor service, attended only by the representatives invited.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM”

Upchurch Matters

Rainham Drop-off Point for Donations to the Medway Street Angels

Harrisons Residential, Rainham branch continues to be a drop-off point for donations to the Medway Street Angels.

Please support the essential work they do by donating at 35 High Street, Rainham ME8 7HS.

For more information, please call: 01634 379799 

Thank you

Find out more about the Medway Street Angels at: www.themedwaystreetangels.co.uk

Upchurch Matters

NHS Kent and Medway CCG - Community Bulletin

New Covid-19 measures

Covid-19 case numbers are rising rapidly and new national guidance is in place to protect the NHS and save lives.

From Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December, you must:

• Stay at home, except for specific purposes.

• Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.

• Close certain businesses and venues.

These new measures will reduce the growth rate of the virus, which will:

• Prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

• Ensure schools, colleges and universities can stay open.

• Ensure that as many people as possible can continue to work.

You can find out more about the measures online

This bulletin provides advice and support for people and communities in Kent and Medway to stay well and connected throughout this period and beyond.

The NHS is open and here for you

If you have a health condition or symptom that is worrying, please contact your GP or call 111. Both surgeries and hospitals have adapted to make it safe for both Covid and non-Covid patients to be seen.

The NHS has restarted services that were delayed by the first wave and have been making good progress. Across Kent and Medway, 140,000 outpatient appointments, nearly 12,000 day case treatments and over 48,000 scans and other diagnostics took place in September.

If you already have a GP or hospital appointment booked, please attend unless you hear otherwise.

Looking after your mental health

Many more people are suffering from anxiety and low mood as a result of the pandemic and impact it and the lockdown restrictions have on our lives.

Feeling lonely or sadder than normal is natural at this time and it’s important we look after ourselves.

Information is available at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeing for people experiencing a range of mental health and wellbeing issues.

There is also a specific web page to help families with children or young people who might be experiencing difficulties at www.kent.gov.uk/wellbeingfamilies

Both web pages offer advice and signposting to other sites which can help in range of situations.

As part of the Release the Pressure campaign, a text service is also available to people who are struggling to cope and need immediate help. By texting the word “Kent” or “Medway” to 85258, you will start a conversation with one of the many trained and experienced volunteers who can give help at any time, wherever you are.

Texts are free on all major mobile networks and the service is provided by SHOUT and the Crisis Text Line.

The service is running in addition to the current 24/7 freephone helpline.

Information on specific mental health services is also available on our website

Kent Together

A 24 hour helpline has been set up by Kent County Council to support vulnerable people in Kent who need urgent help, supplies or medication.

The helpline is called Kent Together, and is available for anyone in the county who is in urgent need of help during the Covid-19 outbreak, or if you have any concerns about the wellbeing of another person.

If you are vulnerable and need urgent support, you can contact the Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on 03000 41 92 92.

 Don't forget your flu jab

The flu vaccination is the best protection for you and those around you which is why it is offered for free for those most at risk.

Vaccinations started in September and continue over the winter months, with appointments available throughout the season, so there is still plenty of time to book. Priority is given to those who are most at risk of flu. People aged over 65, those with a long-term health condition, children from two to 11, carers and pregnant women are among those eligible for the free flu vaccine. More details on eligibility are online

GP practices and pharmacies receive phased deliveries of the vaccine and flu clinics are scheduled to coincide with these deliveries. By staggering appointments over the winter months, we can help protect as many people as possible from flu.

NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group